Maryland Emergency Exit Lighting: Renters’ Rights & Safety Standards

Knowing your rights when it comes to emergency exit lighting can help protect you and your family in case of a fire or power outage. In Maryland, there are clear safety rules that landlords must follow so renters have a safe way to exit their homes and apartment buildings during emergencies. Understanding the local standards and what to do if they're not met ensures peace of mind for Maryland renters.

Why Emergency Exit Lighting Matters for Maryland Renters

Emergency exit lighting is critical for safety. It helps renters find and use safe exits when the power goes out or in case of fires and other emergencies. Maryland’s fire and building codes require landlords to keep all common areas, hallways, and designated exit routes well-lit and marked with approved exit signs and emergency lighting systems.

What Maryland Law Requires

The main safety rules for emergency exit lighting in rental buildings come from both local housing codes and statewide regulations:

• All apartment buildings and multi-unit dwellings must have illuminated exit signs and emergency lights in stairwells, hallways, and exit corridors.
• Emergency lighting must turn on automatically if the regular power fails. This is essential for quick and safe evacuation.
• Exit signs must be visible and always lit, even during a power outage.
• These requirements are based on the Maryland State Fire Prevention Code and often reference national guidelines from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 101 Life Safety Code.¹

If you have questions about your building’s compliance, you can find more on housing standards at the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development website.

Who Checks and Enforces Lighting Requirements?

Local housing inspectors and the Maryland Office of the State Fire Marshal regularly inspect rental properties to make sure landlords follow fire and building safety codes. If you spot broken or missing exit lights, you can request an inspection or file a complaint with your local housing department or fire marshal’s office.

How to Report Unsafe Emergency Exit Lighting

• Document the issue: Take photos or videos of any non-working or missing emergency lights and exit signs.
• Send a written repair request to your landlord or property manager.
• If the landlord does not fix the problem promptly, contact your local housing inspection office or fire marshal.
• File a formal complaint if needed.

Relevant Maryland Tenant Forms and How to Use Them

• Repair Request (No official form required statewide):
  
  • Use a simple written letter or email to request repairs. Be specific (e.g., "The emergency hallway exit light on the 2nd floor is broken").
  • Keep a copy for your records. Wait a reasonable period for a response (usually 14 days for non-emergency repairs; for emergency repairs, request immediate service).
• Tenant's Complaint to the Local Housing Authority / Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD):
  
  • Submit a complaint online or by phone through your local housing authority, or through the Maryland DHCD Complaint Portal.
  • Give details about the safety issue and upload your documentation.
  • This process puts the issue on record and triggers an official inspection if necessary.
• Rent Escrow Petition – Maryland District Court (Form DC-CV-083):
  
  • If hazardous conditions are not repaired and affect safety, you may use Form DC-CV-083: Petition in Action of Rent Escrow.
  • This allows you to pay rent into an escrow account until the landlord fixes the serious safety issue. File with your district court; you’ll need evidence of the unsafe conditions and proof you notified your landlord.

For more on forms, check the official Maryland Courts - Rent Escrow Form page.

Maryland Tribunal Handling Housing Complaints

For rental disputes in Maryland—including unaddressed emergency exit lighting issues—the Maryland District Court’s Landlord-Tenant Division is the main tribunal. This is where rent escrow actions are filed and hearings on major repair disputes take place.²

Key Legislation for Maryland Renters’ Rights

• Maryland Code, Real Property, Title 8 – Landlord and Tenant – Repair of Dangerous Defects (Section 8-211)
• Maryland State Fire Prevention Code

FAQ: Emergency Exit Lighting and Maryland Renters

1. What should I do if the emergency exit lights in my Maryland apartment building aren’t working?
   Notify your landlord in writing right away and ask for immediate repairs. If the issue isn't fixed quickly, contact your local housing inspector or fire marshal to report the safety violation.
2. Who is responsible for maintaining emergency exit lighting in rental properties?
   Landlords are legally required to maintain and repair all emergency lighting and exit signs in common areas of rental buildings as per Maryland law.
3. Can I withhold rent if my landlord doesn’t repair broken emergency exit lighting?
   You can file for rent escrow through the District Court using Form DC-CV-083, paying your rent into the court until the safety issue is addressed, but you must follow proper procedures and provide proof of requests and unsafe conditions.
4. Do emergency exit lighting standards apply to single-family rental homes?
   Generally, these rules apply to multi-unit or apartment buildings, but some local ordinances may require safe egress and lighting for all rental types. Check with your local housing office for your situation.
5. How often should emergency exit lights be checked in Maryland rentals?
   Maryland law requires that landlords inspect and maintain lighting regularly, and replace any failed equipment promptly. Inspections are routine and may be required during property turnover or scheduled housing inspections.

Summary and Key Takeaways

• Maryland law requires landlords to provide and maintain emergency exit lighting in all multi-unit rental buildings.
• Renters have a right to safe, marked, and illuminated exits in case of emergencies.
• If lights are not working, start by requesting repairs in writing, and escalate using the Maryland District Court's rent escrow option if the situation remains unresolved.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development – Report a Housing Complaint
• Maryland Office of the State Fire Marshal – Contact For Safety Concerns
• Maryland District Court – Landlord-Tenant Self-Help Resources
• Maryland Legal Aid – Free Legal Help For Renters
• For local help, check with your county housing department or Maryland DHCD.

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1. See Maryland State Fire Prevention Code, Sections on Emergency Lighting
2. Maryland Code, Real Property, Title 8 and Maryland District Court – Landlord-Tenant Information

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